Carlo Calenda, the leader of the political party Azione, is determined to maintain his party's neutrality, navigating a path between the Government and the opposition. Recently, Azione did not support the no-confidence motion against Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, a decision Calenda justified in an interview with the Corriere della Sera. He pointed out that "in thirty years, no opposition no-confidence motion has passed," suggesting that such motions have become ineffective. He questioned the value of a no-confidence motion every month, hinting that the next target might be Minister Marina Elvira Calderone, with the same predictable outcome.
Calenda emphasized the need for serious and concrete political discourse, stating, "While the world is falling apart, we need to bring politics back to a track of seriousness and concreteness without which we cannot build an alternative." This statement reflects his frustration with the current political climate, which he believes lacks the necessary focus on substantial issues.
Despite accusations of shifting rightward, Calenda firmly maintains that Azione is positioned at the center of the political spectrum. He advocates for dialogue on key issues with both the majority and the opposition, distancing his party from personal attacks and incitements to mutual hatred. He remarked, “Azione remains where it has always been, that is, in the center, and promotes a politics of dialogue on issues with the majority as well as with other oppositions.”
Looking ahead, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister, is set to attend Azione's congress on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Calenda expressed his satisfaction with her participation, stating it would allow for discussions on defense, economy, and Europe—three critical topics for the party. He noted, "We are at a decisive moment in the history of Europe. This is what we want to discuss. We are little interested in daily political wrangling."
However, not all political figures will be present at the congress. Calenda extended an invitation to Elly Schlein, the leader of the Democratic Party (PD), but she will not be attending. Instead, notable figures from the PD, including Paolo Gentiloni, Lorenzo Guerini, Pina Picierno, and Francesco Boccia, are expected to participate.
Calenda’s focus on inviting representatives from parties that have supported Ukraine highlights his commitment to foreign policy discussions that align with Italy's responsibilities in European defense. He clarified, “We have invited representatives from all parties that have supported Ukraine. We have not invited Lega and Movimento 5 Stelle, except to listen.” This strategic move underscores Azione's intention to foster constructive dialogue among like-minded parties.
In contrast, Raffaella Paita, president of the Italia Viva group in the Senate, criticized Calenda, labeling him a "crutch for the Government." In a pointed statement, she questioned why Calenda has not published asset declarations for his family and pointed to parliamentarians whose relatives hold shares in banks outside the European Union. Paita remarked, "Italia Viva is ready: why isn't Calenda?" This criticism reflects the ongoing tensions between political factions in Italy.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Calenda remains focused on positioning Azione as a serious alternative in a fragmented environment. He has noted the re-entry of Matteo Renzi and Italia Viva into the center-left fold, while Azione opts for a more isolated stance from the broader left coalition. Calenda's commitment to maintaining a centrist approach amidst rising political polarization is evident in his rhetoric and strategic choices.
In the context of recent political events, Calenda's remarks about the futility of frequent no-confidence motions resonate with many who are frustrated by the lack of progress in governance. His call for a return to serious political discourse reflects a desire for a more responsible and effective political environment, one that prioritizes substantive issues over partisan attacks.
As the congress approaches, the anticipation surrounding the discussions on defense, economy, and Europe's future is palpable. Calenda's leadership style, characterized by a focus on dialogue and collaboration, will be put to the test as he navigates the complexities of Italian politics. The outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for Azione's future and its role in shaping Italy's political landscape.
Ultimately, the upcoming congress represents not just a gathering of party members but a crucial moment for Azione to define its position in a rapidly evolving political environment. With key figures from various parties in attendance, the event promises to be a platform for meaningful dialogue on pressing issues that affect not only Italy but also the broader European context.
